Lobbying

“Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere” by Harry Cooper for Politico

New York: “JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Judge Rejects APS Arguments in Rate Increase Case” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Verde Independent

Maryland: “Md. Delegates Weigh Matching Funds for Candidates on a County-by-County Basis” by Rachel Siegel for Washington Post

Ethics

“FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

“Secrecy and Suspicion Surround Trump’s Deregulation Teams” by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times

“Mueller, Several Team Members Gave Up Million-Dollar Jobs to Work on Special Counsel Investigation” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

California: “Ethics Commissioner Had Private Meetings with Democrats Over Recall Election Rules” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Texas: “Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune

Elections

Maine: “Maine Regularly Sells Voter Data It Denied to Feds” by Scott Thistle for Governing

Flint voters approved updates to the city’s charter on August 8, 2017.

Updates include gift restrictions involving persons doing business or seeking to do business with the city, lobbyist registration and reporting requirements, and post-employment restrictions on public servants.

The charter becomes effective on January 1, 2018.

The completed draft of the charter has been posted by the Charter Review Commission.

Lobbying

Illinois: “Even After Hefty Lobbyist Fines, Rahm Pals Sought Help Via Email” by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times

Rhode Island: “City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist” by Dan McGowan for WPRI

Campaign Finance

“Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are” by Kevin Roose for New York Times

California: “Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions” by Alene Tchekmedyian for Los Angeles Times

Virginia: “Republican Donor from Virginia Beach Sues GOP, Accusing the Party of Fraud Over Failed Obamacare Repeal” by Bill Bartel and Scott Daugherty for The Virginian-Pilot

Ethics

“How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

“Many Politicians Lie. But Trump Has Elevated the Art of Fabrication.” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times

Elections

“The Socialist Movement Is Getting Younger, Thanks to One 75-Year-Old” by David Weigel for Washington Post

Lobbying

Oregon: “State Sought to Plant Negative Stories about Nonprofit” by Nick Budnick for Portland Tribune

Ethics

“Mueller Seeks White House Documents on Flynn” by Matthew Rosenberg, Matt Apuzzo, and Michael Schmidt for New York Times

Florida: “Public Records Fight: Mayor’s office whited out calendar” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahasse Democrat

Kentucky: “Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Property Tax Appeal on Anchorage Home” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

Maryland: “Maryland Probes Potential Conflicts in Grading Medical Marijuana Applications” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

New York: “Records Detail Contacts Between Ethics Agency, Cuomo Lawyer” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Pennsylvania: “Montco Sheriff Gets Spotlight in Allentown Corruption Case” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

Elections

“They’re Building a Trump-Centric Movement. But Don’t Call It Trumpism.” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times

“Republican Shadow Campaign for 2020 Takes Shape as Trump Doubts Grow” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times

Legislative Issues

“Senators Unveil Two Proposals to Protect Mueller’s Russia Probe” by Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post

On August 3, a federal campaign finance constitutional amendment with public financing authority was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.

House Joint Resolution 113, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 20, 2017, proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States granting explicit authority to Congress and to the states to regulate contributions and expenditures in political campaigns and to enact public financing systems for such campaigns.

Rep. Adam Schiff introduced the legislation with the intent to increase regulation of campaign contributions and spending.

“The regulatory process is at a standstill as we watch billions of dark money pour into elections,” Schiff said in a press release.

Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order setting a special election for House District 58. The special primary will be held on October 10, 2017, and the general election will follow on December 19.

Rep. Dan Raulerson announced his retirement, effective August 15, to focus on his health and his business.

Holding the election this year will allow the winner to take his or her seat when the 2018 legislative session begins on January 9.

Gov. Phil Bryant set a special election to fill the open Senate District 10 seat for November 7, 2017.

Democrat Bill Stone vacated the seat to become the manager of the Holly Springs Utility Department. Individuals are prohibited from concurrently serving in the executive and legislative branches.

Candidates must qualify by September 18 and a runoff, if necessary, will be held November 28. District 10 encompasses Marshall and Tate Counties.

The women of State and Federal Communications had the opportunity to attend PGA’s annual Executive Women’s Day and enjoy a day filled with golf insights, advice, and lessons.

This year’s program was held at Firestone Country Club on August 1. During breakfast, we learned what it’s like to be a caddy for professional golfers. We gained personal insight and stories from those closest to the golf pro.

After breakfast, Lisa Murray, Chief Marketing Officer at Octagon, shared advice and stories she’s obtained throughout her life. She told us how her perspective has changed many times from the beginning of her career to now. Murray has a degree in consumer economics, but has built a career in marketing. Octagon is a sports and entertainment marketing agency that she has been with since its very beginning. She helped it grow into the global marketing leader it is today. Murray’s key note address was humorous but also provided motivation to take risks in your career – as a woman and a professional.

Afterward, we had the chance to participate in a golf clinic. There were three stations – putting, chipping, and driving. A golf pro was at each station to give us tips on improving our golf game.

The speakers, golf clinic, and inspiring atmosphere of the event came together to create an uplifting day. Overall, Executive Women’s Day was a hit among State and Federal Communications employees and something we look forward to every year. It was a beautiful day, an empowering program, and a great start to the Bridgestone Invitational.

Intern Edge concluded last week with a graduation ceremony. I was among the interns who were asked to give a short speech about our experience and key take away from the program.

When asked to speak, the facilitator said that she noticed my constant participation from week to week. It was very easy for me to want to participate because I really enjoyed the thought-provoking questions and discussions each week.

As I make strides to become a leader in my community and a force in my career field, my biggest take away is that connections count and leaders are versatile members of the community who have a lot to offer the people around them. It is important to surround yourself with successful people who want to see you do well and I feel that Intern Edge has done that for me.

The past six weeks have been both enlightening and enjoyable. I am very thankful for the opportunity to had participated in Leadership Akron Intern Edge. I would like to thank Elizabeth Bartz for making it possible for me to attend these sessions week to week. This was already a great program, and the fact that she pays her interns to go puts the cherry on top.

Pictured left to right, State and Federal Communications interns Katelynn Chilson and Olivia Williams

State and Federal Communications emphasizes the importance of professional development. There are many programs, webinars, and events the company provides for staff members to participate in. The goal is for employees to continuously learn and grow as professionals.

Lunch and Learn is a program the company uses to educate employees on various work-related topics. Staff members can enjoy lunch with their colleagues while learning something new.

State and Federal Communications recently welcomed crisis communications and media specialist Stephanie York from Hennes Communications. During the Lunch and Learn, York informed employees of the importance of crisis management and how handling a crisis can be easy if you follow the Damage Control Playbook.

She told us five things that we should know amid a crisis:

1. Tell the truth. The truth is going to come out eventually. It is better to state the truth at the beginning rather than wait for it to be exposed.
2. Tell it first. The public is going to find out the truth, inevitably. It is better for the company’s reputation to be the one informing the public. If the audience is already aware of the situation, they won’t be fazed if it shows up in the news.
3. Tell it all. Trying to hide part of the truth will result in backlash. If new information is revealed that you didn’t disclose to your audience, people will think the company had something to hide.
4. Be aware of media filters. Every story about the crisis is going to be told differently. If you give reporters all the information upfront it will usually produce a filter that respects the company.
5. Know the fundamental role of reporting. Reporters want to tell a juicy story. The situation will seem less scandalous coming from the source directly.

Knowing how to take control of the situation and communicate efficiently is beneficial to the company. Employees now know what to do and who to communicate with if the company ever faces a crisis. This information can also be applied when communicating with our clients. If they find themselves in a situation and need our assistance in any way, we are now better equipped to help. The Lunch and Learn was a great way to learn more about important topics in the industry.

Rumors of a special session of the Utah Legislature to allocate money or legislation concerning the homeless and lawlessness in downtown Salt Lake City have been circling this week.

Gov. Gary Herbert said he’s willing to call a special session of the Utah Legislature if necessary to put the proper steps in motion to rid the Rio Grande area of the city of its drug dealing. A stepped-up effort to clean up downtown’s Rio Grande area has been created to transform downtown into a safe place that residents can once again enjoy without fear.

House Speaker Greg Hughes called the rumors premature but progress in the coming weeks will tell.

If you follow me on Facebook you know moss does not grow under my feet. I travel wherever there are meetings where our fabulous clients are together. I knew a long time ago business was not going to stop in at our office on S. Summit Street in Akron, Ohio.

So, we are heading to the NCSL Legislative Summit in Boston for our 18th year. State and Federal Communications is well represented at the Summit and will be in Booth 730 in the exhibit hall. It is a very busy week in Boston, starting with the NCSL Executive Committee meeting Saturday afternoon.

When State and Federal Communications is involved, we are not the wallflowers in the room.

We are a sponsor to the State Government Affairs Council Late Night at House of Blues, and we have a few tickets left if you need one.

We are also sponsoring the coffee break in the exhibit hall on Tuesday, August 8, which is a help to the legislators who are trying to find a cup of coffee during the long day of sessions. And, in case you saw our Facebook ad about a cup of coffee, I can assure you this is 100% compliant.

We love seeing you out on the road. Do not hesitate to stop by and say hello. We will “State and Federalize” your badge.

Campaign Finance

“Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In” by Carrie Levine for Politico

New York: “Law Requires Names of Campaign Workers, But Is Little Enforced” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Ohio: “Rosenberger Memo Seems to Call into Question Legality of Cuyahoga County GOP Donation to House Speaker Candidate” by Andrew Tobias for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ex-Senator Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Campaign Funds” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Ethics

“Special Counsel Mueller Using Grand Jury in Federal Court in Washington as Part of Russia Investigation” by Carol Leonnig, Sari Horwitz, and Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

“Flynn Files Amended Disclosure Report Showing Additional Payments” by Tom Hamburger and Matea Gold for Washington Post

Elections

Michigan: “Michigan Petitioners Stretch Truth for Signatures” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News

Legislative Issues

Utah: “Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office” by Associated Press for Cache Valley Daily

Procurement

“Missing Data Hinders Contractor Disclosure Rule Nine Years” by Sam Skolnick for Bloomberg BNA

Let Becky Campbell catch you up on any of the news you might have missed in this weeks video digest!